15 Things You Didn't Know About Best Infant Seat

Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with the federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. From extra padding to padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will appreciate.

When selecting our top choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, features and price. Find out what infant car seat is best for you and your family by reading.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in, strap-holding sides, and much more. The more features a car seat is equipped with the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This will lower their child’s risk of injury in a crash. This is especially true for an infant car seat since it's only designed for a short period of time. Look for a model with an indicator that bubbles and an adjustable foot with a spring for making it easy to level the seat. Make sure the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread and magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. These are great, but don't forget that a safe car seat is only as secure as the car you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual to learn how to ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll likely only be in a position to use it for about 2 years until your child is ready to move to an convertible car seat. Some families skip the infant car seat completely and choose to purchase a convertible car with greater weight and height limit. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your car and test different models before making a decision. You can then make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car and includes convenient extras like converting into a stroller. And, don't forget to check for recalls before making the purchase. It's essential to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

You're looking for a car seat for your infant that is easy to connect and remove from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or shift it between multiple. Look for clear instructions on installation and a simple mechanism. Also consider how it is easy to alter the car seat as your baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant car seat swivel seats come with the load leg. This brace that provides support between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor, providing extra security in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you are driving an older vehicle since the likelihood of sustaining a head injury is higher if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other premium features can improve the baby car seat experience. These include a non harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from spinning during a crash. This has been proven by research to decrease the chance of head injuries by up to 43%. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great option for those with a tight budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a number of premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has received an excellent rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions as well as an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets to provide full coverage.

Another thing to look for is the type of seat that can be put in using the lap belt and does not require the base. This is a good option for parents who plan to use Uber or taxi rides, as it eliminates the need to return to the car each time to put in a new seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its equivalent TRIV travel infant car seat system come with a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the bottom of the seat which makes it fast and simple to install in any car. It can also be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to a highback booster or belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). It's an excellent choice for families with a limited budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in a car seat for extended periods of time, it's essential that they feel safe. That means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that feels cozy against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child grows.

A seat that has many unique features is usually more expensive but also easier to use. This is why we consider things like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, because the weight or size of the seat can strain your biceps while you move it to and from your vehicle or in between vehicles.

Another good choice is a car seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature which helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. This extra safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats, but there are some budget-friendly models that have it.

The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll need to make sure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs around the age of 2 or 3. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families that frequently change cars or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that combines an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's a great option for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or go to school. It's also easy to set up. Our experts who tested it appreciated its user-friendlyness and its one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted that the seat is incredibly compact, which is important for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

The best car seats for newborns infant car seats are easy to use. The most effective infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important aspects to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it comes with a canopy, which can be useful both inside the car seat for newborn and attached to the stroller.

A feature on the base could save you much time and headaches. It shows you when it's been put in place correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and is situated on the base. This is particularly useful if you are going to change the car seat frequently, or if your baby will be traveling with you and you'll need to set it up in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seats cheap car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easier to carry your baby to the store, or to run errands. You don't have to carry a separate carrier. This could be a life-changing option for parents looking to return to normal after a lengthy journey or a long commute with a child.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, select an infant car seat with more weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean all seats are created equally. Some seats come with extra features, such as load legs that brace the seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of head injuries in crashes. Other extras, such as the no-rethread harness or an extended canopy, can also provide a more comfortable ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed and more secure parent.